Say hello I'm Usama Shahid. I've taught AI, published on it, and built it for startups and enterprises — always with the same goal: helping people and products grow.
AI, taught by a builder
Ex-university lecturer (Univ. of Gloucestershire), ex-Multiverse delivering for Rolls-Royce, Mastercard... now teaching the full AI/ML lifecycle at Decoded — from UK Government to Citi.
GenAI that ships
Architected GenAI sales system while OpenAI's models were still in beta. Engineered LLM-based “bio-equivalent” survey respondents replicating 200+ published studies. Built trading algorithms, content AI, and data platforms for real clients.
Credentials that hold
Top 1% Expert-Vetted on Upwork. UK Global Talent visa. IEEE lead author. Gold Medal & Summa Cum Laude. Interviewed by Business Insider on GenAI consulting.
What I grow by
Ambition
Keep building character and competency — never settle.
Innovation
See systems as changeable — then change them for the better.
Impact
Let data and evidence steer every decision.
Leadership
Own the problems nobody claimed. Take the initiative.
Care
Excellence, diligence, and kindness in every interaction with the world.
What I build with
LLM systems that make it to production.
From hypothesis to defensible answer.
The plumbing that keeps models alive.
Growing people is the multiplier.
Capability without guardrails is not progress.
A decade across the AI lifecycle
Decoded
Senior AI/ML InstructorDelivering workshops across the AI/ML lifecycle — concept to deployment and monitoring — coaching learners one-to-one and authoring curriculum, including a commercial AI Accelerator for NISRA (UK Government) and Citi's Level 6 AI Engineer programme.
Multiverse
AI InstructorTaught degree-level AI/ML modules, up-skilling professionals from Rolls-Royce, Mastercard, Visa, BBC, Barclays and more.
University of Gloucestershire
Lecturer in AI & Data ScienceLed Level 4–7 modules for MSc and BSc students — Python, data analysis, ML, computational mathematics and research methods — and supervised postgraduate research in applied AI.
Punch Group
Product Manager, AI & DataBuilt and led a 15-person engineering and AI team. Architected a GenAI system — while OpenAI's models were still in beta — automating lead generation, enriching customer data and personalising communication at scale. Employee of the Year.
KryptoHive
Software EngineerDeveloped and shipped web & mobile apps for SimSim Markets, owning app-store submissions and releases.
Subconscious.ai
LLM-based bio-equivalent survey respondents; replicated 200+ research studies at ~0.7 correlation.
Girard Sudron
AI data engineering & automation — major savings in operational time and cost.
Strategically AI
Search-engine analysis system feeding AI content generation — 70+ SurferSEO scores.
Bramework
AI models for content generation — drafts, paraphrasing and grammar with LLMs.
Usama was a collaborative, positive, agreeable, attentive, and responsive part of the team… His education, calm presence, and creative solutions to any problem make him a model for other contributors. He also has the rare ability to self-direct with the mind of an ex-PM.
Usama is a capable and diligent individual, who views the world with considerable curiosity and enthusiasm.
He is a talented and dedicated resource who always goes above and beyond to ensure the success of our projects… his willingness to go the extra mile and help everyone around him is worth everything.
Usama is a top notch AI guy. He has done fantastic work for us. I highly recommend him!
He consistently delivered multiple boutique AI models just a few days after the ideas were put forward — a testament to his extraordinary ability to not just understand, conceptualize and implement tech solutions but also take ownership of the idea.
What sets Usama apart is his exceptional innovative thinking. He consistently brings fresh ideas to the table and has a natural inclination for finding creative solutions.
Reader, you want a service provider like Usama… when he couldn’t complete it without asking me for more money, he did the right, honorable thing and gave me a generous refund. Honest, honorable and smart… I respect and like him as a person. He’s a great freelancer.
Usama is one of the finest product experts I've worked with. He has an exceptional eye for artificial intelligence, and his leadership skills are second to none.
He is a very purpose driven educator, keenly focussed on ensuring his sessions deliver as much value and learning as possible.
The way he owns his assigned tasks makes him stay ahead of others. He has the aptitude to lead in the development and analytics industry.
Published, peer-reviewed, cited
Also a reviewer for the Journal of Open Software Research, and MSc dissertation on prompt design via conjoint analysis with AI agents.
Things I grow on the side
Hobby products — because the best way to stay sharp is to keep shipping.
Notes on growing
In the press
Interviewed on a leading, innovative approach as an AI consultant in the emerging field of Generative AI.
read the story →“…with experts such as Usama Shahid … leading the way, ProAI is able to develop a powerful system that combines the best of both worlds…” — The Chicago Journal, 2023
“…directed … in conjunction with AI expert Usama Shahid, ProAI is a completely new approach and pioneering…” — EIN News, 2023
PgCert Academic Practice
University of Gloucestershire · 2025 — 2026MSc Data Science
University of Gloucestershire · early completion with MeritBSc Computer Science
Bahria University · 3.94/4.0 · Gold Medal, Summa Cum LaudeLet's grow something together.
Consulting, teaching, speaking, or a product idea that needs an AI brain — my inbox is open.
